Gay Couples Preparing to Sue State

Three Minnesota couples, including Duane and myself, are preparing to sue the state of Minnesota for denying us our constitutional right to civil marriage. The Minneapolis law firm of Mansfield, Tanick and Cohen has been selected to bring the case against the state. Because the legal fees associated with this case are expected to be thirty to forty thousand dollars, litigants are seeking thirty to forty lesbian and gay couples to join in the suit, which is expected to be filed later this summer.

If you and your same-sex spouse would like to be a part of this historic battle for civil marriage rights in Minnesota, or know of any couples who are sick of being treated like second class citizens and having NOTHING done about it, please call 763-219-1206. Thank you.

I hate that litigation is the way this has to be done. I think that, sadly, this is the easiest way to accomplish this goal. I hate that I can’t rely on my fellow Minnesotans to do what is fair and just (by voting).

I think that there are more appropriate ways to achieve equality (e.g., by truly separating civil marriage from spiritual institutions). At the same time, marriage is not the be-all and end-all of equality, though it does kill a lot of birds with one stone.

Despite the time and effort and money I put into legal fees and drawing up paperwork, it will take one trip to the hospital to turn my world upside down. My partner at least has her parents nearby. I’ve got no one.

5 Comments so far

I think that, sadly, this is the easiest way to accomplish this goal. I hate that I can’t rely on my fellow Minnesotans to do what is fair and just (by voting).

The word "easiest" bothers me.

I have a fundamental issue with using the Judiciary this way. The legislative process isn’t "easy" but neither is life. And we’ve hardly exhausted our legislative paths since we’ve just got started. I rather devote my cash for groups influencing the legislative process.

At first blush, I’d say Project 515 is more targeted on this specific issue and can bring all its resources to bear on the topic. OutFront has its money and personnel spread out over a much greater range of activities. Project 515 is looking specifically at lobbying and influencing legislation. OutFront does more than that, including a lot more community-focused efforts.